MotoGP: Vinales is fastest in Qatar

Two weeks ago, Spanish MotoGP star Maverick Vinales said he would look to impress fans in the season-opener in Qatar. Last night, at the iconic Losail International Circuit (LIC), the Yamaha star did exactly that by winning the first race of the 2021 season with a teasing battle with Johan Zarco and pole winner Francesco Bagnaia. 

The 26-year-old, despite a slow start, won the 22-lap Barwa Grand Prix of Qatar in a time of 42:28.663 for his 9th win in the MotoGP class.  Vinales, the 2013 Moto3 world champion, finished ahead of Zarco (Pramac Racing) who was +1.092 seconds slower on a night when swirling winds made racing difficult.